One last hurrah for Central's Peterson
Brookfield Central's Katie Peterson finishes first in the cross country sectional at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. Photo By MARYJO WALICKI
One of the biggest cheerleaders for the Brookfield Central girls track and field team has been lost in the shuffle this season as the Lady Lancers try to defend their state championship.
Senior Katie Peterson, a two-time state meet participant, has been watching from the sidelines this year. It has been painful for her, physically as well as emotionally.
Peterson suffered a sacral fracture (a lower back injury) while working out on a treadmill in February trying to get ready for her senior season. She ended up in a wheelchair before graduating to crutches. Two weeks before the indoor season began, she realized she would not be able to compete her senior year.
"There were lots of tears; I was heartbroken, of course," she said. "But I knew I just had to think about my long-term health. I can run for the rest of my life."
Peterson continued to go to practice and meetings, and she contributed by taking charge of the team's fundraisers.
"When I go to the meets, I usually write down split times," she said, "but I'm mostly there for support. When I get caught up in the excitement, I get more energetic."
Central coach Lorie Lewis is happy Peterson chose to stay around the team, and said her leadership has paid off.
"She is engaged with all the athletes," Lewis said. "She helps motivate them. She is everything we stand for, and what we are all about."
Peterson, an outstanding cross country runner, was named Greater Metro Conference Athlete of the Year for winning conference last fall. She was state runner-up in the two-mile last year and also qualified in the mile and the 3,200 relay. She holds the school record for the two-mile.
"This (sitting out) is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Peterson said. "After seven seasons of racing, this was my last chance. I was training so hard this winter. I had such high hopes."
Two weeks ago, after meeting with her parents and doctors, Peterson was given permission to run in the regionals May 26, to compete in the two-mile one last time.
"You can't imagine what it will be like to see her run, put that uniform on again," Lewis said. "There will be so many emotions to deal with."
Peterson was instructed to immediately drop out of the race if she felt any pain.
"I'm nervous for her," Lewis said. "Nobody would want her to get hurt. We are so proud of everything she has done. It's an opportunity for her to try it."
That is all Peterson could hope for.
The results were more than anyone could hope for, as Peterson not only ran, but just missed qualifying for sectionals, by placing fifth (the top four move on) with a time of 11 minutes, 45.14 seconds.
"I just wanted to have a chance to compete in one last race," she said.
Tom "Sky" Skibosh can be reached at (262) 446-6620. Read Sky's blog at BrookfieldNOW.com.
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